Some breeds of dog have lived in cold lands of the north for hundreds of years. In these regions the winters are severe and thick snow makes it difficult for people to travel. By using a slegde pulled by a team of dogs, it is easiers to cover long distances and transport goods and food.

 

Huskies are one of the world's best known breeds of snow dogs. They can cope with cold weather because they have thick fur and can survive on much less food than other dogs of their size. Huskies have changed very little through breeding and are stil very similar to their ancestor, the wolf - they howl, rather than bark, and they live in packs. Altough Huskies will pull sledges, they are difficult to train in any other way.

 

Alaskan malamutes, Eskimo dogs and Samoyeds are all breed of snow dog. Alaskan malamutes are similar to huskies but they are more affectionate. Eskimo dogs are now one of the rarest breeds, but they have worked alongside the Inuit people of the Arctic for thousands of years. Samoyeds are pale coloured, good-natured dogs that are now most often kept as family pets.